Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: I was awarded Travel Support to attend an International Conference held in Washington during Oct. 2012. But, I could not attend the conference due to delay in getting Visa. Can I use the above support to attend another conference to be held in Jan 2013?
A1: No. The support given to one event can not be used to attend another. The researcher need to apply afresh to seek funding for another event.

Q2: I have been given travel support to attend an International Conference in Guanzhou, China during Nov. 2012. Air India does operate directly to the destination. Can I go by Private Airlines which have direct connection from Delhi?A2: No. If Air India does not have direct flight, you should go to the nearest hub (in this case Hong Kong) by Air India, and beyond that you can avail the service of Private Airlines.

Q3: I have been recommended support to attend an International Conference to be held in Paris during Dec. 2012. I find the cost of travel by Air India is much higher than Private Airlines. Can I travel by Private Airlines as the cost is cheaper?A3: No. You should travel by Air India even if the cost is more and the Board will reimburse the Air fare.

Q3: I have been recommended support to attend an International Conference to be held in Paris during Dec. 2012. I find the cost of travel by Air India is much higher than Private Airlines. Can I travel by Private Airlines as the cost is cheaper?A3: No. You should travel by Air India even if the cost is more and the Board will reimburse the Air fare.

SERB Newton - Bhabha International Fellowships

A joint proposal of The Royal Society, of the United Kingdom and SERB to encourage and support increased research capacity in the area of research and innovation was under discussion between the two bodies. A MoU has been signed between The Royal Society and SERB to institute 15 Newton - Bhabha International Fellowships per year to the Indian research community, covering fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Applicants must hold regular positions in institutions based in India or should have completed PhD degree in science, engineering and mathematics not earlier than the preceding two years from recognized institutions in India. For researchers who are in regular employment, the 2 year period may be relaxed. The awards will be up to two consecutive years in length spent in the UK undertaking research at a host university or research institute. The awards will provide a stipend, research expenses and one-off relocation expenses and will provide up to £99,000 for two years. All applicants must identify a UK co-applicant who will host them whilst they are in the UK.

All applications for the Newton – Bhabha International Fellowships should be submitted and assessed through the established routes used by the Royal Society. Only applications, which are on the Royal Society’s fundable list above the funding threshold determined for each round of applications will be considered for joint funding. The Royal Society will provide SERB with a shortlist of applications that the Royal Society would be willing to support through the Newton – Bhabha International Fellowships. The Participants must agree as to which Newton – Bhabha International Fellowships to jointly fund. The candidates will be required to sign a bond with SERB prior to accepting the fellowship which requires them to return to India after the fellowship has ended.
The contact point at The Royal Society is Mr. Paul McDonald, Director of Grant Programmes at paul.mcdonald@royalsociety.org .